Can Books Help Children?

The motto of my practice is “Helping Parents Help Children.” One way I believe parents can help their children is to increase our own knowledge about how kids think, feel, and act. I want to share two books that my wife and I have found helpful in raising our son and daughter. I think they can help you too. One book is for fathers and the other is for moms. Both are easily available online or in most bookstores because books help children.

One of my favorite books for dads is called “The Difference A Father Makes” by Ed McGlasson. Ed is a former NFL star and played football for the Raiders. His small book is a quick, but meaningful, read that helps fathers understand the importance of their power in preparing our children for life. He shares personal examples of how he influenced his sons and daughters to become leaders in life. This includes an awesome chapter called Rites of Passage that has information to give fathers the power to change his relationship with his son or daughter forever.

The book I recommend for moms is called “That’s My Son: How Moms Can Influence Boys to Become Men of Character” by Rick Johnson. My wife found this book helpful because she grew up with two sisters and no brothers. She did not have family experiences as a child learning what makes boys tick. By reading Rick’s book she found a new understanding about our son. The book is appropriate for single moms as well as married moms. There are some interesting secrets in this book that Rick tells about the inner workings of boys. He gives moms straightforward honest advice to help moms discuss communication, respect, and learning self discipline.

I believe books can be valuable tools in helping parents build stronger relationships with their children and these two books are a great starting point. If your child struggles in school, dislikes school, is easily frustrated with homework, or has other school issues, consider getting him or her evaluated. My evaluation process can help reveal the true issue so that you can begin the appropriate intervention instead of trying a hit and miss approach. It’s an investment that can get your child on the right track.

Dr. Forgan is a Diplomate of the American Board of School Neuropsychology and certified dyslexia testing specialist who can evaluate your child for ADD/ADHD, giftedness, dyslexia, and other associated disorders. Call 625-4125 to discuss your child.